Political Quotes

“I oppose this amendment. It does not reflect agency recommendations or on-the-ground support of title IV of this bill. Veiled behind the claim of compliance with existing management, this amendment is contrary to a longstanding agreement to transfer 2,560 acres of Forest Service land to the National Park Service, which is reflected in the CORE Act as written. Both agencies have agreed that the transfer would benefit both the national recreation area and the national forest, and the proposal has long enjoyed broad public support. This amendment is an attempt to both reduce the acreage included in the national recreation area and to prevent the most effective management of these lands. And I think it is important, Mr. Chair, because we have talked a lot about stakeholder involvement, community-driven processes, and we have yet to receive any letter opposing a provision of the bill impacting a county in which that county ultimately has acreage involved; any letter of opposition. The only letter, in fact, that we have received of communication is from Gunnison County. Gunnison County strongly opposes this amendment. They were never consulted by the sponsor on this amendment, despite the area in question being in their county. So ultimately, I would oppose this amendment, and I would encourage all members, respectfully, to vote against it. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.”